Is It Correct to Say “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”?

Have you ever found yourself typing or saying, “I am very much looking forward,” only to wonder if something’s off? You’re not alone! Many people use this phrase, especially in professional emails, casual chats, or formal letters.

But is it grammatically correct? Is it something you should use in your writing or speech? In this article, we’ll break down whether “I am very much looking forward” is proper, why it might sound awkward in some contexts, and provide you with some alternatives to sound more polished and natural.

Understanding the structure of this sentence can help you communicate more effectively, whether you’re composing an email to a colleague, writing a letter to a potential employer, or just engaging in casual conversation. Let’s dive into the correct way to use “looking forward” and some common mistakes to avoid.

What Does “Looking Forward” Mean?

To understand whether “I am very much looking forward” is correct, we first need to break down what “looking forward” means in English. The phrase is actually a phrasal verb that conveys a sense of anticipation or eagerness toward something that is going to happen in the future.

• Looking forward: A commonly used expression to express excitement or positive anticipation.
  

For example:

• “I am looking forward to the party.”
  
• “She is looking forward to her vacation.”
  

This expression is almost always used in the present continuous tense because it refers to something happening or expected to happen in the near future. It is transitive, meaning it needs an object to complete the thought.

The Correct Grammar Structure: Why “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Needs an Object

When we use the phrase “I am looking forward,” we’re essentially saying that we are eagerly awaiting something. However, the phrase requires an object to be grammatically complete. That object is typically introduced with the word “to.”

For instance:

• Correct: “I am very much looking forward to seeing you.”
  
• Incorrect: “I am very much looking forward” (with no object).
  

This is why the phrase “I am very much looking forward” without further clarification can sound incomplete or awkward. It leaves the listener or reader wondering, “Looking forward to what?”

If you’re writing or speaking and you drop the object, you’re leaving the sentence unfinished. To sound professional and natural, always remember that the phrase “looking forward” needs a noun or a gerund (verb + ing) to function properly.

Why “Very Much” Can Be Tricky

Another question you might have when using the phrase “I am very much looking forward” is about the placement of “very much.” The word “very” is an intensifier, which means it enhances the meaning of another word. In this case, “very much” intensifies the phrase “looking forward.”

While it’s perfectly fine to say “I am very much looking forward”, it can sound a little formal or overly emphatic in casual conversation. If you’re aiming for a more casual tone, consider simplifying it to something like “I’m really looking forward” or just “I’m looking forward to”.

Here’s the key takeaway about using “very much”:

• “Very much” is grammatically correct, but may come off as stiff or too formal in informal settings.
  
• It’s best used when you want to sound more formal or enthusiastic, such as in business emails or professional settings.
  

Example:

• Formal: “I am very much looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.”
  
• Informal: “I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
  

Common Mistakes with “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”

Like many commonly used expressions, “I am very much looking forward” has its pitfalls, and people often make a few key mistakes when using it.

1. Omitting the Object:
   
   • As mentioned earlier, the biggest mistake is not completing the sentence with an object. The phrase “I am looking forward” requires an object to make sense. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished.
     
2. Incorrect: “I am very much looking forward.”
   Correct: “I am very much looking forward to your feedback.”
   
3. Overusing “Very Much”:
   
   • Sometimes, “very much” can sound overused or unnecessary. In many cases, simply saying “I look forward to” or “I am looking forward to” works just fine.
     
4. Incorrect: “I am very much looking forward to the event tomorrow.”
   Correct: “I look forward to the event tomorrow.”
   
5. Mixing Tenses:
   
   • The present continuous tense is used in “looking forward,” so mixing it with past or future tenses can confuse the listener.
     
6. Incorrect: “I very much looked forward to meeting you tomorrow.” Correct: “I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.”
   

When Is It Okay to Use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”?

Despite the potential for confusion, there are situations where “I am very much looking forward” is perfectly acceptable. Here are some contexts where you can use this phrase without worry:

1. Professional Emails and Letters

• If you’re writing a formal email or letter, especially when expressing your excitement about a future event, “I am very much looking forward” is a polite, professional, and enthusiastic way to express anticipation.
  

Example:

• “Dear Mr. Johnson,
  I am very much looking forward to our upcoming meeting and the opportunity to discuss the project further.”
  

2. Speaking with Colleagues or Superiors

• In a business or corporate setting, using “I am very much looking forward” can convey professionalism and respect. It emphasizes your enthusiasm and eagerness to engage with others.
  

Example:

• “I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the proposal.”
  

3. Social Situations (with a Formal Tone)

• If you’re sending a formal invitation or responding to one, “I am very much looking forward” adds a layer of politeness. It’s less casual than saying “I can’t wait” or “I’m excited.”
  

Example:

• “I am very much looking forward to attending your wedding next month.”
  

Alternatives to “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”

While “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct when used properly, there are often better alternatives depending on the context. Here are some variations to consider:

Formal Alternatives:

1. “I greatly look forward to…”
   
   • Example: “I greatly look forward to working with you on this project.”
     
2. “I am eagerly anticipating…”
   
   • Example: “I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming conference.”
     

Neutral Alternatives:

1. “I look forward to…”
   
   • Example: “I look forward to your response.”
     
2. “I can’t wait for…”
   
   • Example: “I can’t wait for the weekend!”
     

Informal Alternatives:

1. “I’m really looking forward to…”
   
   • Example: “I’m really looking forward to catching up soon!”
     
2. “I’m excited about…”
   
   • Example: “I’m excited about the concert tonight!”
     

The Impact of Tone and Context

Choosing the right version of “I am looking forward to” depends on your audience and purpose. Whether you’re writing a business email, a social media post, or speaking to a friend, the tone of your message will guide your phrasing.

• Formal Tone: Opt for full sentences like “I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet you.”
  
• Casual Tone: You can go for “I’m really looking forward to it!” when speaking to a friend or in a more relaxed setting.
  
• Neutral Tone: “I look forward to our meeting” is perfect for situations where you want to stay professional but still approachable.
  

Always match the intensity of your language to the situation. Too formal or too casual can leave the wrong impression.

FAQs

1. Is it grammatically correct to say “I am very much looking forward”?

Not entirely. The phrase is incomplete on its own. It needs to be followed by a preposition and an object, usually starting with “to.”
✅ Correct: “I am very much looking forward to meeting you.”
❌ Incorrect: “I am very much looking forward.”

2. What should follow “looking forward to”?

You should follow it with a noun or a gerund (verb+ing).
Examples:

• “Looking forward to the weekend.”
  
• “Looking forward to seeing you.”
  

3. Can I say “I very much look forward to…” instead?

Yes! That’s a perfectly formal and correct variation.
✅ Example: “I very much look forward to your feedback.”
It works especially well in professional communication.

4. Is “very much” too formal or awkward in casual speech?

It can be. In everyday conversation, you might want to use simpler or more natural alternatives like:

• “I’m really looking forward to it.”
  
• “Can’t wait!”
  Save “very much” for emails, interviews, or formal contexts.
  

5. Is it better to use “I’m looking forward to” or “I look forward to”?

Both are correct, but they serve slightly different tones:

• “I’m looking forward to” is more conversational and warm.
  
• “I look forward to” is more formal and businesslike.

Conclusion: Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Correct?

Yes, “I am very much looking forward” can be correct if used with proper grammar and in the right context. The key is making sure the phrase is complete and appropriate for the situation. Avoid leaving the sentence hanging without an object, and consider whether the level of formality is appropriate for your audience.

Remember, language is a powerful tool. Precision and clarity matter, whether you’re expressing anticipation for a meeting, a special event, or just the chance to connect with someone. Keep these tips in mind to communicate effectively and confidently!

Now that you understand when and how to use “I am very much looking forward,” go ahead and use this knowledge to elevate your writing and speaking skills. Whether it’s formal, casual, or somewhere in between, you’re equipped to make the right choice for any occasion.